She’s moody... she must be on her period."
If you’re a woman in India, you’ve probably heard this sentence more times than you can count. It’s an all-too-common dismissal of the complex emotions and struggles that many of us face during our menstrual cycles. In a society where menstruation remains a taboo topic, this comment only scratches the surface of a larger issue. From movies to everyday conversations, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is often reduced to a joke, while in reality, it’s a condition that can deeply affect both physical and mental health.

In India, menstrual health is often discussed behind closed doors, if at all. This cultural silence amplifies the stigma surrounding periods, making it harder for women to open up about their experiences. It’s time we break the silence and shift the narrative around PMS and its mental health impacts. Let's address this critical issue head-on.

What Is PMS?

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) refers to a set of physical and emotional symptoms that typically appear 1 to 2 weeks before menstruation and may persist into the early days of the cycle. Research suggests that 3 out of 4 women will experience PMS at some point in their lives, yet the condition remains poorly understood, both culturally and medically.

The physical symptoms can include stomach cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, gastrointestinal issues, and changes in appetite and weight. On the mental health front, PMS can cause anxiety, mood swings, irritability, and feelings of low mood, which are often dismissed as “just a part of being a woman.”

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS that has a profound impact on mental health. It leads to extreme mood changes, severe anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts, impairing a woman’s ability to function in her daily life. Unlike PMS, PMDD significantly impacts daily routines and requires specialized care.

Breaking the Myths: Let's Talk About Pain and PMS in India

One of the most pervasive myths is that taking pain relievers for menstrual cramps can harm your fertility. This misinformation is especially rampant in India, where cultural beliefs around menstruation often blend with myths and misconceptions. The reality is that pain relief is essential and does not harm your health. Yet, countless women continue to suffer in silence due to these misguided beliefs.

Would anyone ever tell someone with a headache to "just suck it up"? Absolutely not! So why do we apply a double standard to menstrual pain? It’s time we stop trivializing it. Menstrual cramps are a real medical concern, and they deserve to be treated with the same care and compassion as any other type of pain.

The Mental Health Impact of PMS in India

In a country where emotional health is often overlooked, it can be even harder to identify when PMS has crossed the line into something that requires professional help. While there’s still much to be learned about the causes of PMS, we know that hormonal fluctuations play a significant role. For some women, these hormonal shifts lead to mental health struggles that can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming.

The key to managing PMS is recognizing when it is affecting your daily life to the point that it’s no longer just a “bad week.” If your physical or emotional symptoms are disrupting your ability to function, causing distress, or leading to major life disruptions, it’s time to seek support. Trust yourself—if something feels off, reach out to a professional. You don’t need to suffer in silence.

How to Manage PMS and Protect Your Mental Health

Managing PMS doesn’t just involve taking medication; it requires holistic care—emotional, physical, and mental. Here are some strategies that might help you navigate the challenges of PMS:

1. Address Underlying Emotions and Stress:Stress and anxiety, which are common in the fast-paced and often demanding lifestyle in India, can exacerbate PMS symptoms. It’s important to identify sources of stress and develop strategies to manage it. Mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques can be particularly helpful for creating emotional balance.
2. Track Your Symptoms: Keeping a simple journal or using an app to track your PMS symptoms can give you valuable insights. You’ll begin to understand when your symptoms are likely to peak, which can help you prepare mentally and physically. Knowing that PMS is temporary can provide comfort during particularly difficult days.
3. Create a PMS Care Box: In a culture where self-care is often overlooked, creating a care box can be a simple yet effective way to care for yourself during PMS. Include comfort items like your favorite snacks, herbal teas, heating pads, and maybe even some Bollywood movies to lighten your mood. This personalized care kit can offer a sense of control when PMS feels overwhelming.
4. Talk to a Professional: In India, it’s still not common for women to seek mental health support for PMS, but it’s time to break that trend. Having both a gynecologist and a psychologist on your side can help you address both the physical and mental challenges of PMS. These professionals can work together to provide comprehensive care and help you manage your symptoms more effectively.

Changing the Conversation: The Need for a Cultural Shift

The stigma surrounding periods and PMS in India has kept women from talking openly about their health. It's time we change the conversation and recognize that menstrual health is integral to overall well-being. Women should be able to discuss their experiences with PMS without feeling embarrassed or dismissed. We need to foster a more compassionate and understanding environment, where women’s health issues are treated seriously.

Let’s work towards a future where menstrual health is no longer a taboo topic, and women can seek help without fear of judgment or ridicule. It’s time to break the stigma, acknowledge the reality of PMS, and prioritize women’s mental and physical health.